Sunday, July 8, 2012

Mandu or Mandavgad is an ancient city in ruins in western Madhya
Pradesh. This fortress town which is around 100 km from Indore is celebrated
for its fine architecture.

It was an important military outpost and its military past
can be gauged by the length of its wall, which is nearly 37 km with 12
gateways.

Apparently, Mandu was a fortified city even in 6th century
BC but gained prominence in 10th and 11th century under the Parmars who called
it Mandavgarh. It has had a long history under various Rajputs, Mughal rulers
and the Marathas but once the capital of Malwa was shifted back to Dhar by the Marathas
under Maharaja Pawar, the slide in Mandu's fortunes that had begun with the
absconding of Baz Bahadur, plummetted.

There is plenty to see in this wonderful city. Some of the
must see monuments are

The Jahaz Mahal or Ship Palace which is situated
between two artificial lakes. This two storied architectural marvel is so named
as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan
Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, it served as a harem for the sultan.

Hindola Mahal or Swing palace is so named due to its sloping
side walls. The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of
Hushang Shah about 1425

Hoshang Shah's Tomb - India's first marble structure, it is
one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features
include the beautifully proportioned dome, intricate marble lattice work and
porticoed courts and towers. It served as a template for the construction of Taj
Mahal in Agra.

Jami Masjid - Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus,
this beautiful structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural
style with its large courtyards and grand entrances.

A reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of
supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion.

Roopmati's Pavilion - A large sandstone structure originally
built as an army observation post it is known today as Roopmati's Pavilion.
Rani Roopmati - the love interest of Baaz Bahadur lived here and is said to
have gazed at the Baz Bahadur's Palace - situated below and also at Narmada
river, flowing through the Nimar plains far below, a river which the queen
revered.

Baz Bahadur's Palace - Built by Baz Bahadur, this
16th-century structure is famous for its large courtyards

encompassed by large
halls and high terraces. It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be
seen from the pavilion.

Getting there:

By air - Indore Ahilyabai Holker Airport is the nearest airport to
Mandu. Mandu is about 100 km from the airport.

By rail - Nearest railhead is Ratlam railway station, which
is about 125 km away from Mandu. This station is well connected to the rest of
the major cities in India and is an important junction in the western railways.